How to Make a Budget and Support Your New Year’s Goals
New year, new you—new budget? As a time of reflection, renewal, and goal setting, the new year is a perfect opportunity to start a budget for the first time—or to take a look at your budget with fresh eyes.
Consider what’s worked, what’s changed, and how to make a budget with your annual plan and goals in mind.
How to Make a Budget That Works: Start With Your Goals
Some people are spurred to... Continue reading
The Keys to Small Business Expense Tracking
Most small business owners don’t set out to become bookkeepers or accountants, but it’s part of the job when you have to wear all the hats. Whether you’re a part-time consultant, manage rental properties, or are growing a small business, keeping a close watch over your expenses can be important.
You can use your records to better understand your business, and they can be a necessity to back up... Continue reading
Why You Need a Weekly Budget
Do you need a weekly budget in addition to your monthly budget? Here are three big benefits to consider.
A monthly budget is an intuitive default—but a weekly budget might be the better option.
Not to say you shouldn’t use months to frame your budget. Most bills are due once a month, you might get paid once or twice a month, and budgeting software often starts you out fresh each month. But if your monthly budget is your big-picture strategy, the weekly budget planner is your tactical plan that... Continue reading
12 Must-Have Features of Budgeting Software
A debt problem at its core is a budgeting problem. This is one of the most important lessons in personal finance: you can’t save your money if you don’t know where it’s going. In other words, you need a budget.
In fact, 74% of Americans now track their expenses with a budget. But just realizing the importance of a budget isn’t the same as properly executing one. Between retirement accounts,... Continue reading
20 Average Monthly Expenses to Include in Your Budget
Whether you’re creating a new budget or refreshing an old one, you’ve probably noticed how important (and difficult) it is to get your monthly expenses right. Underestimating or missing an expense can throw your spending strategy into disarray, so it’s helpful to have guidance on the budgeting norm.
To help you get it right, we’ve assembled a list of the most common average monthly expenses.
20... Continue reading
10 Budget Categories That Belong in Your Plan
At its most basic, a budget is really just a spending plan for your money. A well-thought-out budget can help you take control of your finances and use your money with purpose rather than spending it haphazardly—a habit than can quickly lead to problems when it’s time to pay the bills each month.
The first step involves breaking down your regular expenses into budget categories to get a clear... Continue reading
How a Sinking Fund Can Keep Your Holiday Budget Afloat
Personal finance blogger and Quicken user Lauren Tucker shares her secret weapon for guilt-free seasonal spending.
As we head into the last few months of the year, holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas hold the promise of food, family, travel, and gifts. But if you’re not paying attention, those “fun” holiday expenditures can add up quickly, blowing your budget and sending your financial goals careening off-track.
“A lot of people panic this time of year because they don’t have enough... Continue reading
Quicken Resolution Round-up: This New Year, Try Investing in You
As the year comes to a close, we’re starting to think about how to make the most of the new year and live our best lives.
Quicken, maker of the best-selling personal finance software in the US, surveyed over 1,000 adults to gather insights into financial New Year’s resolutions — and discovered some surprising secrets to success.
The best things in life might be free, but it turns out resolutions... Continue reading
Are Spending Limits the Secret to Happier Holidays?
Quicken survey reveals couples’ holiday spending trends in the U.S.
We know holiday spending is projected to increase this year. But how do couples across the US approach spending during the merriest season?
Quicken, maker of the best-selling personal finance software in the US, recently surveyed over 1,000 married adults to get a picture of their spending habits over the holidays -- and to find... Continue reading
Year-Round Money Management Breakdown [Infographic]
Year-Round Money Management Breakdown
If you’re only checking your budget once or twice a year, you need to up your finance game. Take a year-round approach with these seasonal tips. Continue reading
